Sicily (Sicilia) General Information God would not have chosen Palestine if he had seen my kingdom of Sicily. Frederick II of Hohenstaufen Sicily is a magical place unlike anywhere else in Italy. The largest island in the Mediterranean and also one of Italy’s five autonomous regions, Sicily has a multicultural history, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. Sicily’s landscape is rich in contrasts. Its 1000km of coastline is mostly rocky in the North and sandy in the South, the beaches emitting a golden hue of orange and lemon orchards flanking a sapphire sea home to dolphin and swordfish. Many beautiful smaller islands surround Sicily like a string of pearls: to the north are the volcanic Aeolian Islands (isole eolie) including the island of Stromboli the only permanently active volcano in Europe which puts on a regular display of fireworks. The island of Ustica has an amazing unspoilt marine reserve. To the west there are the Egadi Islands (isole egadi) and south of Sicily there are the Pelagie islands (isole pelagie) and Pantelleria all exuding African charm. You’ll find lush forests in the north east of the island, an expanse of plains near Catania and the grey moonlike terrain of Maccalube caused by the geysers mud flows. Most of all though, the island is best known for its rugged hilly landscape. The Nebrodi and Madonie mountain ranges are descendants of the Italian continental Apennines. Other important ranges are the Peloritani and the Iblei. Rising above them all is Europe’s greatest natural wonder- the famous Mount Etna, the highest mountain in Sicily and highest active volcano. The volcano which is protected within a national park, is not generally regarded as being particularly dangerous.In fact, thousands of people live on its slopes and in the surrounding areas. Everywhere you go in Sicily you will be presented with examples of its rich history and multitude of architectural and artistic styles. In the past Sicily has been a Greek colony, a roman province, an Arab emirate and a Norman kingdom. This historical diversity has resulted in an amazing melting pot bringing together the greatest cultures and civilizations of all time. Ruins and remains of these ancient eras are numerous throughout the island- making Sicily seem like a big eclectic outdoor museum. Pay a visit to the Valley of the Temples (valle dei temple) at Agrigento or ponder the past at the archaeological museum. Watch an outdoor performance at Syracuse’s great Greek theatre or visit the Regional Museum and Gallery housing remnants from roman times. The roman past is also apparent in Solunto, Eloro, Patti, Tindari and Taormina. In Taormina you will be enchanted by the majestic Greco-Roman Theatre. Around Syracuse and Catania the imperial castles will give you a window into the Gothic style. Then there is the Civic Museum of Catania and its collection of ancient and modern art and local relics. Another must see is the beautiful Teatro Massimo. Sicily’s regional capital, Palermo, a major Italian centre for opera, is home to yet another Teatro Massimo - in fact the largest in Italy and the third largest in the world. Palermo is, as well, home to the island’s most important art collection – the Regional Gallery of Sicily. Also of interest in Palermo is the beautiful Palazzo dei Normanni - an important example of Norman architecture. If your interests lean more towards the nature and the outdoors you can find solace in the Orto Botanico - Italy’s largest botanical gardens. Or take a trip up to Monte Pellegrino- described by Goethe in his “Travels in Italy” as the most beautiful promontory in the world and savour magnificent views of the city, sea and mountains. Or if you happen to find yourself in Palermo in July you may be lucky enough to experience the spectacular “Festino”. This unique and frenzied event, in honour of Santa Rosalia, the saint who in 1624 saved the people of Palermo from plague, is the last example in Europe of a Baroque festival and an occasion not to be missed. As you bask in Sicily’s year round sun (unless you are at Etnas summit – where there is a ski resort - you’ll rarely see evidence of winter!) take the time to sample some of the regions varied cuisine. Evidence of the islands sense of individuality can be seen in the different versions of each recipe that are cherished by each family, town and city. Wherever you are or whatever you are doing in Sicily, you will always be looked after! Maybe by some of the seven hundred saints who look down on the towns scattered throughout the island or by the more earthly local residents –always ready to pass the time and provide assistance! Remember that Sicily is the world’s Island moulded from the traditions and faiths of people from North, South, East and West in eclectic diversity. *** Provinces: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani. Search property in SICILY or contact us using our enquiry form: Find me a Property *** For accomodation in Sicily please vist our partner GDItaly.com: Search hotels in Sicily